What makes Minimalist Design one of the most influential styles today? Minimalism is not about an absence of design. It is a design philosophy that is used everywhere including architecture, art, literature, music and many other things. Here, I wrote the 10 most general principles of Minimalist Design.

1. Simplicity.

Perfection is achieved when there is nothing to take away.

Every minimalists aims for this one thing and that is “Simplicity“. Minimalism adds a sense of luxury to design. It is about focusing on essentials by keeping the elements simple and clean.

2. Grids.

Consistency is a very important design principle. Using Grids for aligning elements is an easy and effective way to aid readability. Grid Design can give a clear presentation of content, because our eyes are really used to seeing repeated patterns. Also, Grids can be particularly helpful when creating Responsive Design.

3. Typography.

Typography is one of the central component of design and is closely tied to minimalist design as well. Big and bold typography is a hallmark of minimalist design. Your typography choice can tell the story of your design, both textually and visually.

4. White Space.

Good minimalist design means the perfect amount of White Space, and without White Space is not really minimalist at all. Every design element needs certain amount of room to “breath” and to balance out other elements as well.

5. Divine Proportion.

Divine proportion is a mathematical concept that exists everywhere in universe. Including things like nature, space, and physics. It’s a timeless law that also can be used as “A design guide” by many designers.

6. Flat Design.

If you are not familiar with Minimalist Design, Flat Design is one of the approachable style to follow. Flat Design is a visual aesthetic which is focused on using flat design elements. for minimalist frameworks.

7. Balance.

Learn about the types of visual balance.

Radical

Radiate out from a center point in a circular fashion.

Symmetrical/Formal

A mirror image.

Asymmetrical/Informal

Without symmetry.

Horizontal

To the left and right of a centre line.

Vertical

Above and below a centre line.

Crystallographic

Repeating elements of equal weight everywhere. There is no distinct focal point.

8. Timelessness.

Minimalism is about doing the opposite of following trends, it is about timelessness. Good minimalism doesn’t require changes.

9. Refinement.

Needless to say that getting everything pixel perfect is essential in design, and especially in Minimalist Design because you make things hide behind ornament and decoration.

10. Less is more.

Good design is as little design as possible.

“Less is more” or “Less is Better” is probably the most well-known catch phrase of the Minimalist movement. Keep good readability and usability by ditching all excessiveness. Remember, minimalist design is about cutting the extra decorations and using fewest elements as possible.